Calling All Rebels – Time for Dublin LGBTQ Pride Festival

The 2016 Dublin LGBTQ Pride Festival takes place from Wednesday 22nd to Sunday 26th June, with an action-packed programme on offer for all.

The theme for this year’s Dublin LBGTQ Pride Festival is REBEL REBEL, the organisers recognising the centenary of 1916 and the rebels who were involved, but also the late David Bowie, as witnessed by the festival graphic (see below).

Jed Dowling, Festival Director for Dublin LGBTQ Pride, commented “REBEL REBEL allows us to look back and reflect upon what it means to be Irish and LGBTQ. We have a lot to celebrate and we want to see everyone’s rebellious side this June!”

The line-up of events for the 2016 Dublin LGBTQ Pride Festival includes:

WEDNESDAY, 22nd JUNE

This Is Us! Pride Opening Party

Irish Queer Archive founder Tonie Walsh delivers a compelling illustrated talk charting 40 years of LGBTQ liberation on the island of Ireland. Talk starts at 6:30pm, and lasts 90 minutes, followed by the opening party with Veda and team at The George

THURSDAY, 23rd JUNE

Pride Political Debate

The annual Dublin LGBTQ Pride Political Debate chaired by Adam Long of the National LGBT Federation with special guest, Grand Marshall Max Krzyzanowski and a panel of leading policy makers and other prominent public figures. This is a free event and open to the public, and audience participation is highly encouraged.

FRIDAY, 24th JUNE

ReEnAct – A Pride Cabaret

An evening of fabulous cabaret with Outhouse resident drama group Acting Out, from 7.30pm at Outhouse Theatre

Rebel Rebel with Suffragette City

A preview of the big day, the evening will feature some of the top DJs performing across the city at the official Dublin LGBTQ Pride after parties. €10 entry with all proceeds going to Dublin LGBTQ Pride. From 8pm ’til late at Odessa Club.

Girlie Circuit

10.30pm-3.30am 5ive Nightclub on Wellington Quay, Dublin 2

SATURDAY, 25th JUNE

Outhouse Champagne Breakfast

Celebrate 20 years of champagne breakfasts for Dublin Pride! Join the Outhouse team for some fine breakfast fare, and plenty of bubbles and beats before you march. From 11.00am-1.00pm at Outhouse on Capel Street.

TENI Pre-Pride Parade Breakfast

The 2016 Dublin LGBTQ Pride Parade

Gathering at the Garden of Remembrance, the parade will be led out by Grand Marshall Max Krzyzanowski, wending its way to Merrion Square. Gathering from 12.00pm with the parade starting at 1.00pm

Participants are asked to please follow the directions of stewards, security and Gardaí, and to note that alcohol is not permitted on or along the parade route.

Pride Village

After the parade, why not chill out at the Pride Village in Merrion Square Park, where there will be family, community and sponsors’ zones for all to enjoy. And while you’re at it, do check out the main stage on Merrion Square South where hosts Panti Bliss and Phil T gorgeous will be joined by representatives of various community groups, alongside special guests Veda, Davina Devine, Victoria Secrets, and many more.

BeLonG To Drug and Alcohol Service will be delivering an outreach initiative at this year’s Pride Village, aiming to promote safety and well-being by providing LGBT+ young adults with their innovative BeLonG To Pride Pack-iT.

The Official After-Parties

With a host of different events running, there’s something for everyone. Official Dublin LGBTQ Pride events and venues support the LGBTQ community and by supporting these events, it in turn helps keep Pride fully owned by the community.

Some of the after-parties include events at The George // Mother // PANTIBAR // SPINSTER // CZECH INN. Check the Dublin LGBTQ Pride website for full listings.

SUNDAY, 26th JUNE

There will be a Ceremony of Remembrance held at 6.00pm at the Oscar Wilde Statue in Merrion Square to remember members of the LGBTQ community that have been lost along the march for freedom and for equality, and to celebrate their lives.